Tui Namosi plays it safe

Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, has opted for a cautious stance on the controversial mining activities in his province.

He will not engage with Government on the matter until a formal review of the mining operations is undertaken.

“I’ve already made my stand,” Ratu Suliano said.

“Until they review the Mining Act, we will not hold talks. Only after that, we’ll speak with the Government.”

His comments come amid growing debate around resource management and land rights in Fiji.

The issue took centrestage during the official opening of the new Great Council of Chiefs complex, where Rewa paramount chief Ro Teimumu Kepa called on traditional leaders to take stronger ownership of their resources.

Ratu Suliano voiced his full support for Ro Teimumu’s sentiments.

“As a chief, I know there’s been mixed reactions toward the use of our resources,” he said.

“But I fully support what Ro Teimumu said. Chiefs must take ownership.”

The Namosi Province has been at the heart of ongoing concerns over environmental degradation and community displacement linked to mineral exploration and proposed mining operations.

Calls for greater transparency and a halt to any further development until thorough environmental and social impact assessments are conducted have grown louder among landowners and community leaders.

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